Cormack Gates and Ron Stephenson led 14 paddlers on a
paddle at Sproat Lake. We met at the Boat Launch at Sproat Lake Provincial
Park. Just
before the pre-trip meeting, we witnessed the Hawaii Martin Mars Water Bomber fire its engines and take a test
taxi down the lake as it prepares for its final flight. The water bomber, will
be the centrepiece of the new B.C. wildfire aviation exhibit at the British
Columbia Aviation Museum in North Saanich.
The Pre-trip meeting trip began with Ron sharing some
fascinating local history stories and Cormack talking about some of the local
flora and fauna. Donna Roy then led the group in a short series of warmup
exercises.
We started paddling
toward the Petroglyphs carved on some rock bluffs on the
edge of the lake.
After crossing to the south side of the lake we paddled past
houseboats for rent
and saw many luxurious homes and cottages on the shore of
Sproat Lake. In addition we paddled past a family of Canada Geese.
With the temperature rising (forecast to hit 36c by mid-afternoon) we
decided to cut the trip short and paddle across to view the Martin Mars water
bomber. We enjoyed the experience of paddling right up to the enormous plane -
the largest one built by the Allies in World War 2.
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Philippine Mars on shore
|
We then looked for turtles basking on logs near the shore. Unfortunately, it
was probably too hot for them and we returned to the launch site at the
Provincial Park. |
First Nations canoe
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After a relaxing lunch in the shade the group had a relaxing
swim in the lake. We then loaded our kayaks and gear into our vehicles before
heading home. One nice thing to note is that the temperature on the water while
paddling was quite bearable. We did make sure that we were well hydrated during
the trip.
On this trip we paddled approximately 5 1/2 km.
It was a very enjoyable, historic and relaxing day.
Report by Jim Swanson and photos contributed by Lil, Cormack and Jim.
